Health Headlines: Can Men and Women Really be Friends?

Plus: Red wine as a cold remedy, nasal spray addiction, and more.

Men assume that their female friends are attracted to them according to a study published in the Journal of Social and Personal¬†Relationships. After surveying more than 80 male-female friendships, the study found that the men were more attracted to their female friends than vice versa. Even more hilarious, the men consistently (and¬†mistakenly) thought that their female friend was¬†attracted¬†to them. So much for platonic relationships.¬† [Scientific American]

Red wine can help fight a cold. When cold and flu viruses enter your system, they start to multiply, and the resveratrol and polyphenols compounds in red wine prevent that from happening. California pinot noir was found to have some of the highest levels of resveratrol. So that’s why we¬†haven’t¬†got a cold year this year. Cheers!¬† [Prevention]

Over-the-counter nasal sprays don’t cause the physiological cravings that mark an addiction,¬†according¬†to the Mayo Clinic. With¬†runny nose season upon us, many people turn to nasal spray, but after a few days, your nose can become less responsive to the product, so you end up using more and more spray, and that’s why people think they are addicted. For a more natural remedy, try a saline solution and a neti pot . [Mayo Clinic]

Vitamin E can help menstrual cramps according to Dr. Mehmet Oz. Vitamin E can lower the levels of prostaglandins (the hormone-like compounds attributed to cramps), and it can significantly reduce menstrual pain. Take 400 IU a few days before your period, and continue through the first three days. [Oprah]

Chewing gum can¬†improve¬†your mood and help you focus, according to Japanese researchers. People that chewed gum twice a day for two weeks, for at least five¬†minutes¬†at a time lowest their scores on tests of¬†depression¬†and mental¬†fatigue. People that opted for mints saw no benefits.¬† [Men’s Health]